Which role should the Release Train Engineer play related to a hackathon event?

The Release Train Engineer (RTE) is a servant leader and coach for the Agile Release Train (ART). One of the key responsibilities of the RTE is to facilitate ART events and processes and assist the teams in delivering value. In the context of a hackathon event, the RTE should play a role that aligns with this responsibility by allowing the teams as much flexibility as possible to promote innovation1.

This approach is consistent with the principles of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), which emphasizes fostering an environment of innovation and exploration. Hackathons are typically events that encourage creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, and the RTE’s role is to support this by not imposing strict guidelines or seeking approvals for the work to be done during the hackathon. Instead, the RTE should ensure that the teams have the freedom to explore innovative solutions without being constrained by detailed guidance or pre-approved plans.

By promoting flexibility, the RTE helps to create an environment where teams can experiment and learn rapidly, which is essential for innovation. This is in line with the SAFe principle of fostering a culture of relentless improvement and a Lean-Agile mindset1.